Complementary and Alternative Therapies and Emergency Preparedness

complementary

the use of of a non mainstream practice with conventional medicine

alternative

the use of a non mainstream practice instead of conventional medicine

integrative medicine

traditional and complementary approached to treatment used in a coordinated, patient center manner. Also referred to as multimodal therapy

natural products

include the use of herbs, nutritional supplements, probiotics, and special diets

mind-body practices

include pet therapy, biofeedback, acupuncture, chiropractic, prayer/faith, guided imagery, meditation, yoga

mind-body practices include all the follow except

probiotics

which of the following is not considered a natural product

homeopathy

homeopathy

a German medical system “ like cure like” the notion that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people

law of minimum dose

the notion that the lower the dose of the medication, the greater its effectiveness. many homeopathic products are so diluted that no molecules of the original substance remain. Plants, minerals, or animals are used

Naturopathy

includes diet/lifestyle changes, stress reduction, herbs/dietary supplements, manipulation (chiropractic) therapies, excursive therapy, practitioner guided detox, and psychotherapy/counselling

St. Johns wort

herbs used to treat depression, however this medication has many interactions with other medications and can be fatal. more dangerous when used with anti-depressants

what non-herbal supplements have a legitimate basis for their use?

specialty supplements; amino acids, fish oil, vitamin C,

which of the following is considered a specialty supplement

coenzyme Q10

epidemic

a disease that affects larger numbers of people within a community, population, or region

pandemic

an epidemic which has spread to multiple countries or continents around the world

bioterrorism

the intentional use of infectious biological agents, chemicals, or radiation to cause widespread harm

choose the term that best represents opioid overdoses

epidemic

what is the #1 infection control

hand washing

guidelines for infection control

practice safe environmental infection control techniques, adhere to safe injective practices, take proper infection control precautions, manage exposure to support staff, trains visitors about infection control producers

The Strategic National Stockpile

program within the CDC. Materials I this program include antibiotics, vaccines, and medical/surgial support supplies

what determines the PPE you use

depends on risk level and exposure (setting & population)

universal precautions

CDC (1985), the precautions require all blood and certain body fluids to be treated as potentially infectious, regardless of patient history or perceived risk

what are the 4 Bioterrorism Agents

anthrax, polio, ebola, smallpox

anthrax

a bacterial infection which may be ingested, inhaled, or enter through an open wound. This bacteria forms spores, which damages the lungs. Treatable with ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, or tetracyclines. A vaccine is available

Polio

a viral illness (fecal-oral spread) for which we have a very effective vaccine. Can cause paralysis

Ebola

a viral illness (blood and body fluids) with a 21-day incubation period and a fatality rate of 90%. Vaccine - ervebo, monoclonal antibodies - Ebanga and Immazeb. Causes internal bleeding.

Smallpox

a viral illness (aerosol/droplet spread) with a mortality rate of up to 30%. A vaccine exist and is part of the stockpile at the CDC.

Toxic chemicals

used in bioterrosim include never agents (Sarin) which are treatable with atropine, blood agents (cyanide), choking/vommiting agent (phosgene).

Ionizing radiation

mass exposures may result from a nuclear accident (Chernobyl) or a nuclear bomb. Antidotes exist for exposures to plutonium, curium, cesium-137, and americium

what sickness can be acute

radiation

what is the #1 cause of poisonings

medication

what age group is more suceptible to poisoning

children or older adults with dementia

ABC

a- airway, b -breathing, c - circulation

The principles of supportive care for people with poisoning is?

check ABC, maintenance of normal blood glucose levels, stabilizing ABCS, manage seizure activity, surface decontamination, facilitate toxin removal

syrup of ipecac

an agent is used to induce vommiting. This can be dangerous, should not be used after ingestion of caustic agents. Side effects can be confused with symptoms related to the poisoning (diarrhea). overdose is also a concern

gastric alval and aspiration

must be performed within 60 minutes of ingestion. Performed via a gastric tube/NG tube. Activated charcoal may be administered and is useful for large, carbon based substances (alcohols)

whole-bowel irrigation

administration of large amounts of a substance like polyethylene glycol via NG-tube. Works best for toxic ingestions of SR or enteric coated drugs

antidotes

used for specific poisonings

antidote for warfarin/codeione

vitamin K

antidote for opioids

naloxone

antidote for agonist or inhibitors

atropine

antidote for acetaminophen (causes liver damage)

acetylcysteine

antidote for digoxin

digibind

antidote for benzodiazepine (sedation medication)

flumazenil

antidote for iron

deferoxamine

antidote for lead

calcium EDTA

which of the following is a priority in any poisoning event

assessing the patients level of consciousness and vital signs